MENDONÇA, C. R. O.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5858481031794870; MENDONÇA, Carla Rafaela de Oliveira.
Resumo:
Iron is an essential nutrient for the transport of oxygen in the human body. Iron deficiency due to malabsorption of this nutrient or due to blood loss may lead to the development of iron deficiency anemia. Anemia is a hematological disease characterized clinically by the decrease in circulating hemoglobin concentration. The aging process causes changes in the body as well as blood production, difficulties in absorbing nutrients, making the elderly population more susceptible to the development of the disease. Hemorrhages, gastrointestinal tract inflammation, use of medications, and decreased iron absorption are all factors that lead to iron deficiency anemia in the elderly. In this age group the symptoms are common to other diseases causing this to go unnoticed for a longer period in the elderly individual, causing damages to the body. The objective of this study was to review the literature on iron deficiency anemia in the elderly, through a systematic bibliographic review in a reliable database in which 101 materials were used among them, articles, monographs, theses and dissertations of national and international committees published over the past ten years addressing iron deficiency anemia. The study of iron deficiency in the elderly patient is important because it is a condition that worsens the quality of life in this age group, because it generates several symptoms that can debilitate the patient, being necessary its early diagnosis to choose the best form of treatment, as well preventing the onset of other diseases that may even lead to death. The following search terms will be used in various combinations: 1) iron deficiency; 2) iron deficiency anemia; 3) elderly; 4) aging.